Addicted heroin users of color are generally criminalized and dealt with unsympathetically in the media, while addicted white opioid users are generally not criminalized and are sympathetically portrayed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement reflects a widely observed phenomenon in media and societal responses to drug addiction, where there is a racial disparity in how individuals are portrayed and treated. People of color, particularly Black and Hispanic individuals, are often criminalized and portrayed negatively in the context of drug use, while white individuals are more likely to be depicted as victims of a health crisis, deserving of sympathy and support. This difference in portrayal can influence public perception and policy in ways that perpetuate racial inequalities.

Addicted Heroin Users of Color Are Generally Criminalized and Dealt